Pictures: Openly gay athletes

CaptionMichael Sam

Joe Robbins, Getty Images

Michael Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams to become the first openly gay player in the NFL. The former Missouri defensive lineman Sam is seen here speaking to the media during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 22, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Michael Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams to become the first openly gay player in the NFL. The former Missouri defensive lineman Sam is seen here speaking to the media during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 22, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Joe Robbins, Getty Images)

Midfielder Robbie Rogers, entering the game for teammate Juninho in the 77th minute Sunday night, became the first openly gay male athlete in a major U.S. sports league when he made his debut for the Galaxy on Sunday night in a 4-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.

Midfielder Robbie Rogers, entering the game for teammate Juninho in the 77th minute Sunday night, became the first openly gay male athlete in a major U.S. sports league when he made his debut for the Galaxy on Sunday night in a 4-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders. (Jeff Gross / Getty Images)